How much does an investigation cost?
One of the most common questions asked is, “How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?” Not knowing the costs involved is the main reason people are reluctant to hire a private detective agency.
The answer to the question: The cost of a private detective varies widely and is dependent on various factors, such as of the investigative services required, the time required and other individual factors.
Private investigators offer a variety of services, ranging from very simple to extremely complex. The first step in hiring a private investigator and assessing the cost is to have a clear understanding of why you need their services. The clearer and more specific you can be about your needs, the better at determining the real cost.
Detective agencies differ greatly in their complexity, as well as their costs. For example, searching for missing people can be as easy as doing simple online research. Or it can take weeks to months until these investigations have been carried out, personal interviews conducted, followed up on traces and traveled to other countries in order to achieve the success of the investigation on the relevant topic.
What does a detective cost? What is included in the detective costs at the detective agency MENG?
What affects the cost of a private Investigator?
Below is an overview of the costs that can be incurred when hiring a private investigator. It is important to understand that not all of these expenses are included in every case.
Basic charge
Some private investigators charge an upfront fee called a basic fee. A retention fee is similar to a deposit that can be used for future work. The amount of the reservation depends on the detective agency, the market and the type of case. Make sure you know exactly if a withholding fee is required and how the money will be used for future investigations.
The detective agency MENG does not know basic fees!
At the Detective Agency MENG there are no basic fees or similar fees. You only pay the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide.
Hourly rates
Most private investigators charge an hourly rate for services such as Surveillance, investigation or infiltration. The total costs are then determined by the hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours worked.
The average costs, depending on the type and complexity of the assignment for the commissioning of a private detective, are on average 65.00 €/$ net per hour and investigator deployed. In countries such as the USA, Scandinavia and England at an average of even € / $ 90.00.
Hourly rates of the detective agency MENG
The detective agency MENG does not believe in lure and cheap offers and charges between € /$* 50.00 and €/$* 70.00 net per working hour and detective, depending on the type and complexity of the observation or investigation. Geographically dependent additional costs are not incurred by the detective agency MENG due to our 48 bases that are well distributed around the world. The prices of the detective agency MENG are the same worldwide.
In the case of undercover investigations and other special matters and depending on the type and complexity of the case, the hourly rate of the detective agency MENG starts at € 70.00 net per hour and detective employed. Geographically dependent additional costs are not incurred by the detective agency MENG due to our 48 bases that are well distributed around the world. The prices of the detective agency MENG are the same worldwide.
At this price you get specially and perfectly trained detectives and investigators with many years of experience, the use of special and extremely high-quality observation technology, reporting that can be used in court and the experience of almost 100 years of investigative and observation work in all areas at the detective agency MENG.
*US $ will only be charged outside of the European Union and depending on the country of assignment.
Flat fee
Detectives sometimes charge a flat fee or a flat fee for services such as background checks, address inquiries or, in some cases, for surveillance. In the case of flat rates, the total price is the same regardless of the number of hours the investigator spends processing the case.
Flat-rate fees or flat-rate agreements at the detective agency MENG
The detective agency MENG recommends the best possible price for each case. You only pay the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide. Of course, we can also make you a package that suits your case.
Market Differences in the Cost of a Private Investigator
The cost of hiring a private detective varies depending on the market or area of operation. In metropolitan areas the prices are e.g. tends to be higher due to higher wages, insurance, transport, office space, etc. You should expect where the cost of living is expensive, such as Munich or New York to pay more for a private detective.
There are no additional geographic costs at the detective agency MENG!
There are no additional geographic costs at the detective agency MENG. You only pay the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide.
Experience and expertise
The cost of hiring a private investigator can vary widely depending on the private investigator's experience. A detective agency with a long career is usually more expensive than someone who is just getting into the business. In theory, those with more experience are more likely to solve your case and also more likely to resolve it in less time.
Almost 100 years of experience and specialist knowledge are always included at the detective agency MENG!
The detective agency MENG, founded in 1924, is one of the oldest and most renowned detective agencies in the world with over 95 years of experience and does not charge any extra surcharges for the use of this wealth of experience. For the investigators at Detective Agency MENG, it goes without saying that they use their many years of knowledge, skills and experience to the full for every customer. That is why the motto “the older the more expensive” does not apply to the detective agency MENG. You only pay the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide.
Expenses and other fees
Depending on your individual arrangement and the needs of your case, a private investigator may oblige you to bear all costs associated with the case. The costs associated with an investigation may include expenses, court fees, postage, and communications charges (phone calls, text messages, etc.).
Expenses and other fees at the detective agency MENG
These costs do not apply to the MENG detective agency. If expenses are absolutely necessary for the investigation or observation order, these will be settled 1 to 1 with the customer. Otherwise, the customer only pays the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide.
Traveling expenses
If travel is required during the case, most investigators will bill you for these costs. Depending on where the case leads, investigators may have to travel within the region, in other federal states, and even internationally. Examples of travel expenses are:
- Mileage, gasoline and parking fees
- Tickets for travel by plane, bus, train, boat, etc.
- Accommodation costs for hotel rooms
Travel costs can add up quickly. So, make sure you know exactly what you are going to be paying for.
There are no travel expenses at the detective agency MENG!
At the detective agency MENG, even in the event of unexpected travel expenses, there are no unnecessary expenses for you to pay. The cost per kilometer at the detective agency MENG is between 0.80€/$* - 1.20€/$* / km net, depending on the country of assignment. You only pay the agreed hourly and kilometer rate worldwide.
*US $ will only be charged outside of the European Union and depending on the country of assignment.
How do you pay at the detective agency MENG?
Another frequently asked question is: How do I pay a detective agency for their services? At the detective agency MENG, you can pay in different ways:
- Cash
- Check
- PayPal or
- by wire transfer
In addition, we can send you an electronic invoice that you can pay online with an automatic debit from your current account.